- SUN - FOG - RAIN - FOG - SUN ? -

And what kind of weather would you like to have today? Well, how about a little of everything!  This seems to be the norm lately.  The sun plays hide and seek several times a day and periodically a few rain drops just for good measure.  One just has to love being here because one never knows what the weather will be and how long it will last.  Keeps us all on our toes.  Right now, dense fog.  Who knows what it will a few minutes from now.

One of the great things  here too is that it seems no matter what the weather, the flowers continue to thrive and bloom and provide everyone a reason to smile.  For me, it is big smiles as I see what are considered summer blooming flowers elsewhere, blooming happily now here.  I think it is still spring, or just spring or something.  Anyway, they are wonderful and beautiful and I am sharing many pictures here.  Grateful.

The tourists, Spring breakers, Easter breakers, etc., are here.  The traffic sounds have increased and there just seems to be more people everywhere.  I think it is time for me to make sure early mornings are my time to be out and about in order to avoid most of the congestion.  It could be, that at least for this weekend, some of them will be inside due to the projected wet weather.

After that, another week of extra people in town.  And then, after that, they will all go away.  Only to return once school is out and everyone seems to be on vacation for the summer.  Perhaps by that time I will be out there also adventuring other areas.  We shall see what the country decides to do as far as the thaw the hot and the cold.

It has been unusually calm for the past week or so.  This makes for the glassy waters in the harbor and bay and for very pleasant walks along the Embarcadero and along the boardwalks to the rock and other areas.  It does make it a bit difficult to know what to wear.  The best bet is to wear at least three layers or more.  That way one is prepared for the changes that inevitability seem to occur.  And something with a hood or a hat can be a great idea.

Today's confession:  The French Bakery.  At least I only purchased two small danish and a few cookies.  Big sigh and smiling face and happy taste buds.  Yumm....  We'll see how the stomach feels later.  Rationing is the trick here. There are also some new bread shapes  and decorated loaves in the cafe which I will take pictures of the next time I am brave enough to enter and strong enough to only purchase a few items.

As the sun sets and the fog continues to sneak into this sweet little town, it is time to say, "Good night!"  Maybe a little TV watching or a DVD to relax by before sleep brings me to tomorrow.  May you all be well and peaceful and happy.

"You must live in the present,

launch yourself on every wave,

find your eternity in each moment."

- Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your yourself!

- THREE SISTERS -

I am always amazed at how a day can start out as one thing and then have it transform into something completely unexpected.  Such was Saturday.  I started out with a fun trip with Dorothy and Annie for another dog training morning.  I watched as Annie did her sniffing of boxes during her nose work.  Then she was well behaved during the obedience portion, which then led to her being "whatever" when it was time for free play.  Annie is such a sweet dog and I enjoy being around her.  I love the chats Dorothy and I have while we are driving.

I had no plans for the rest of the day and I found myself wandering around on the Embarcadero.  This seems to be the place I end up the most.  I think it is because of being close to the water which is one of my favorite places to be.

 I remember when I was very young and Mom had taken my brother and I to a lake so we could go swimming.  This is something we did often.  We loved that and had spent quite a bit of time enjoying and playing in the water.  When it came time to go, Mom called us and we got dressed.  I guess I got impatient to leave, so decided to do some more swimming (in my clothes)!  Well, needless to say, Mom was less than thrilled with my behavior.  I simply loved being in the water and this holds true today.  Even when I am out watering with a hose, I end up just as wet as the flowers and plants that are the intended target.

Anyway, back to the Embarcadero.  I was walking past the entrance of a restaurant and three women had just come out and were walking in my same direction.  One of them pulled the other two aside so I could pass by.  I said to her, "Do I look as though I am in a hurry?"  That was all it took and the four of us started talking and getting to know each other.  We discovered we were all about the same age and laughed and shared stories and somehow managed to get closer to where their car was parked as we walked.

I learned that one of them lived in Tennessee, one in Arkansas and one lived in Brentwood, California (just west of Stockton).  I think we spent almost an hour and a half chatting and laugh and sharing and it felt as though we were all old friends.  When it came time for them to get on their way we hugged and exchanged phone numbers and I received invitations to visit all of them during my travels.  How awesome is that?  Pretty darn awesome as far as I am concerned.

So, if I had been a few seconds ahead of myself or behind myself, this Adventure would have been lost in the mist.  Instead, I found myself in the company of three wonderful sisters who had come together to support each other and spend time together and help each other out through some difficult times.  And I was blessed to have been a small part of it all.  Synchronicity!  Thank You, Universe!  

Yesterday, no plans (I am finding I love this no plans thing!) again, when I got a call from Megan.  Was I available to meet for lunch?  Heck, yes!  So I met her at the Shine Cafe in Morro Bay.  After enjoying our meal we walked to Top Dog and got our coffees and sat outside in the back of the cafe to catch up on things.  It was another beautiful day in Morro Bay.

We left via the back of the cafe and we were in a small parking area which had a dirt driveway into the space.  I had the most bizarre sensation of being in the foothills of the gold country, where the buildings are old and musty and lend themselves to the times of the gold rush.  It was as though I was as if I had stepped back in time finding myself in the dry and dusty part of old town Auburn, yet here I was in the moist fresh air of the central coast.  

The feelings were very strong and I kept looking around attempting to comprehend what I was experiencing.  It was very similar to visiting an old mission or ghost town or old battlefield of many years past.  The smells were also present of old, dusty places.  I half expected a gold prospector to step out of thin air.  Had I not known better I could have sworn I was inland many, many miles and in a forgotten area of some old lost town which had once flourished.  

Once Megan and I walked through the dirt driveway and out onto the sidewalk, I stepped back into the present moment.  The air was refreshing and cool and moist.  I was home again.  I felt as though an oppressive weight had been lifted and I was again free and light and airy.  And my precious moisture was in the air.  

Megan had brought a DVD for me to watch and she and I watched a short portion of it before she headed home.  I have the DVD to view as many times as I like before Megan returns to reclaim it.  We had a great visit. 

I have had other experiences of feeling the space around me was what it had been many years or ages ago.  I find it curious and I often feel a little anxious when it happens.  I am free of fear when this occurs though I am always uplifted when I feel I am back in the present moment.  

While Megan and I were walking back to my little home on wheels I noticed these beautiful island flowers in the landscaping of one of the motels.  They are Protea which are native to Maui, Hawaii.  I was completely surprised to see them here.  What a gift!

Well, here I am in the present moment and loving being here.  The fog is playing tag this morning, almost afternoon and there are a few places I want to go before the day ends.  Cards to mail, a fine screen drain catcher for the shower, and a few veggies from the grocery store.  Not much but makes for a good walk and not too heavy of a load to carry.  "Oh, Happy Day!"

"When the deepest part of you

becomes engaged in what you are doing,

when your activities and actions

become gratifying and purposeful,

when what you do serves both yourself and others,

when you do not tire within but seek

the sweet satisfaction of your life and your work,

you are doing what you were meant to be doing."

- Gary Zukav

Enjoy your here and now!

- MAGICAL -

It is very difficult to describe how I feel about this area.  To me, it feels magical.  The wildlife here is plentiful and everything seems to thrive.  A blessing is that I am free of all of the allergy issues I have when living in the valley and foothills of central California.  I feel as though I am thriving also.  I am very grateful for whatever time I have here.

I am definitely changing.  My thoughts are more about nature and how everything seems to simply flow when allowed to do so.  It feels that when I need a dog fix, they show up.  When I need color, flowers are everywhere.  When I need cooling off, the fog rolls in to oblige.  When I need to get warm, the sun comes out and the breeze calms.  When I need a walk, I am inspired.  When I need a nap, I fall asleep no matter what I am doing.  It is all rather amazing.  I feel very at peace here, as though I belong here for a time.  I find it interesting that I have been postponed in traveling very far and yet at times I feel a very strong pull to move on.  So, I am doing my best to listen to my inner knowing and following with the flow of nature.

Last week I was walking the upper hills of south Morro Bay and it was so nice to have the views of the back bay and harbor area.  I took several pictures though they would be better if I were standing on someones balcony.  I did get a few that seemed to capture the scene.  Some of the streets are a bit steep and occasionally I found myself getting out of breath.

I do find I am getting stronger and I have greater endurance.  This seems to come with the continual walking up and down the hills of this sweet little town.  The flowers and such seem to grow in the most curious places.  I am uncertain if all of them were actually planted or with the help of the birds, etc., found their way to some very unique places.  However they got there, they now seem to fit in perfectly.

I will spend more time exploring the south hills since the pink flowering succulents may be blooming soon.  We then can all enjoy the incredible carpet display that leaves one speechless.  Perhaps this weekend.  It is sunny and calm and almost warm now in the afternoon.  The wind from this morning has moved on.

The spring break visitors are continually arriving.  The little park here is full and the sounds of traffic seem to fill the air.  Hopefully they will all get settled by this evening and we can all get a good nights sleep.  I think for me, though, I seem to sleep great anyway.  Gotta love that!

The RV repairs are complete on my unit with the exception of one that will be done in about a month, unless it dictates being fixed sooner.  All is well.  I am continually learning things I never knew I needed to know.  Considering, I think I am doing rather well.  

Happy Birthday, Jan!

"Remember that your body/mind

is the greatest pharmacy ever created.

It has an unlimited potential for creating well-being,

since that's where it originated from in the first place."

- Dr. Wayne Dyer

- from his book

- Your Ultimate Calling

Enjoy your well-being!

- FLOWERS EVERYWHERE! -

Now that it is officially Spring, I think it is alright to add more flowers to my writings.  There are so many different varieties and various colors they almost make you dizzy.  They are predicting this weekend to be the most fabulous peak of blooms.  I hope everyone is able to be out there and enjoy as many of them as you can find.  For here, we are being told the weather will be spectacular.  Even though I enjoy them every day, I am excited to see the display over this weekend.  Just in time for Spring!

Recently,I have been taking my walks during different times of the day.  This gives a new perspective to the areas I visit. Light and shadows are different, as well as, a complete change of the people I see.  I miss the usual critters with their people though.  I guess I will cycle back occasionally so I can visit with them in the mornings. 

I was feeling weak yesterday and was about to go to the French Bakery when I realized they are closed on Tuesdays.  The Universe was protecting me from myself again.  Today could be a very different story.  However, I am waiting for the repair person to show up and this will keep me put for now.

Earthquakes - 7 days, M2.5+ is a great site for viewing the earthquakes around the world.  If any of you have yet to check this site out, I think you will enjoy what it offers.  When the earthquake occurred in Japan, it was amazing to watch how the circles just kept laying down on top of each other with all of the after shocks that occurred.  I also like watching how the "ring of fire" is doing.

There is also a volcano site that is fun to visit, Global Volcanism Program Volcanic Activity Reports SI - USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report.  There are so many great things about the Internet.  I learn so much and it is easy for me to spend way too many hours in trance.  And I wonder why my back is tired afterwards!!!

This is for Gaytrell!

I have been in email contact with a person I met here who is from Canada.  She and her dog are currently in New Mexico dealing with a great variance in daytime and nighttime temperatures.  It sounds as though some of the areas she wants to visit are still under snow.  This is obviously one of the reasons I am waiting to begin traveling east.  I am alright with more moderate and even temps.  Though the cherry blossoms in DC are so worth seeing this time of the year, I will wait for another year or so to see them again.  I have been fortunate to be visiting my brother and his family twice during the peak and all I can say is "WOW."

A couple of times I have met Stanley while walking.  He is a most beautiful golden retriever with what appears to be frosted fur at the tips.  I have no idea what the names are of his people and none of us seem to mind.  He is almost as big as Duke, who is huge.  His fur is simply amazing and the lighter ends make him look as though he has lighter fur than it actually is.  His face is white and he is completely sweet and gentle.  This is one of my favorite breeds and I would love having another one as a companion on my Adventure.  We shall see.

The predicted rain for today occurred last night, twice for about ten minutes each.  Barely a sprinkle.  Love the sound on my roof.  Although I have been sleeping so soundly I may have missed any further precipitation during the night.  Today It is relatively mild and the sun is trying ever so hard to shine through the clouds.  I am certain it will for tomorrow.  Who knows, maybe some stars tonight.  

"Happy Birthday, Stacey!!!

"I will act now.  I will act now.  I will act now.

Henceforth, I will repeat these words each hour,

each day, everyday, until the words

become as much a habit as my breathing,

and the action which follows becomes as instinctive

as the blinking of my eyelids.

With these words I can condition my mind

to perform every action necessary for my success.

I will act now.

I will repeat these words again and again and again.

I will walk where failures fear to walk.

I will work when failures seek rest.

I will act now for now is all I have.

Tomorrow is the day reserved for the labor of the lazy.  Tomorrow is the day when the failure will succeed.

I will act now.  This is the time  This is the place.

I am the person."

- Og Mandino

Enjoy your actions!

- BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! -

The building in the lower left is the Morro Bay Museum.

A walk to the museum, the top of the morro next to it and the Bayside Cafe for lunch.  I had already walked to the rock from where I am staying, so all in all, it was a five hour adventure.  The weather was perfect for such a jaunt and I was rewarded with so many amazing things.

It was a bit breezy at the top of the morro (a rocky outcrop in the shallows of a harbor) however, the view is incredible.  There was some moisture in the air so the picture is a touch hazy.  The anchored boats in the harbor were moving around as the water was a little choppy.  

While on the top of the morro a beautiful hawk soared before me and displayed its magnificent colors.  I have yet to identify it exactly so I'll keep checking my books.  There were butterflies, hummingbirds, white pelicans, brown pelicans,(gulls, of course) and children on a day trip from Paso Robles.

Potted plant at Bayside Cafe.

I took a picture of some people from Walnut Creek and chatted with a man from San Diego.  He had been up to the top of the morro the day before and the fog was in so he couldn't see a thing.  He was very grateful for today's weather.

The finches have been my morning wake up sound.  I like it!  And they were singing all along the great walking path I took and while I was at the museum.  It was also wonderful to see the pelicans again.  

While I was eating lunch (tuna skewers wrapped in bacon, charbroiled with a Teriyaki sauce and a salad, which was a total yum) there were brown and white pelicans, cormorants, egrets, herons and gulls all feasting on whatever it was in the yacht club area at the cafe.  It didn't last long, though was fun to observe as they all did their own thing.

Flowers along the way.

There is outside eating at the cafe so I enjoyed the sun and the breeze.  I was soon joined by a group of twenty one that were staying at the nearby Morro Bay State Campground.  They were part of a Lazy Daze Camping Club and were having a good time.  There was another group of eleven eating inside and celebrating someone's birthday.  So, for 11:00 am, the little cafe was almost full since it included the rest of us, such as myself, enjoying an early lunch.  Everyone was friendly and talking with others they were meeting for the first time.  Good fun!

The path I had taken during the morning walk goes through a part of a condominium park where this old Eucalyptus tree had a section where there was this tiered growth on its side.  And one of the Cypress trees had fallen over a part of the path leaving an archway that people could walk under.  The top of the tree had rooted itself and was growing on the other side of the walkway.  I love how nature takes care of herself if we just leave her alone.


I have had several opportunities to hang laundry outside.  And I spent a morning with Dorothy and her dog Annie, who was getting some obedience and scent training, in the park in San Luis Obispo.  It was very interesting and reminded me of some things I can incorporate when my next furry friend shows up.  I am waiting.  The drive through the country side of San Luis Obispo is very green right now and there was a group of vultures standing with their wings spread out attempting to get warm in the early morning sun.  Everything always feels so fresh and new to me in the mornings.  Definitely my preferred time of day.

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are.

It is our choices!"

-  Albus Dumbledore

-  Movie, Harry Potter

-  Chamber of Secrets

Enjoy your choices!

- ST. PATRICK'S DAY -

These are all images from Google Images.  I was unaware of how many Irish Blessings there are.  I imagine there are more than what I found.  Care to share?

To some people this is important while to others, not so much.  I think the messages are wonderful whatever you are and I send all of them to all of you.  Whatever the day is, may these messages bring much love, laughter, light and health.

And someone says we need to

wear green to avoid the pinch!

I wonder who's idea this was?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Enjoy your green.  Whatever it is!

--FOG?--

A most unusual event has been occurring all morning.  I woke up around 5 am and discovered it was soupy thick fog.  I often check the NOAA's National Weather Service to get an idea of what the weather may be.  Well, the past several days they have had it all wrong.  There were two beautiful sunny days when they predicted fog and yesterday they predicted today would be sunny and low and behold, fog.

The fog lifted or dissipated or burned off or evaporated, or however one cares to word it, by 8 am.  Then it has been off and on fog until noon.  Finally the clear, crisp blue sky returned.  Dense fog is when there is 99 or 100 percent humidity.  That leaves drying clothes outside out of the equation.  Fortunately this is a non laundry day.

Fog encourages me to cook.  An egg scramble with bacon and veggies plus a fiber protein smoothie made for a yummy breakfast.  My crock pot is filled with turkey and seasonings for later.  This is good as it helps me avoid stopping by the French Bakery.

My walks have been to different areas too.  I want to keep checking the hills for the blooming flowers and be ready to snatch a photo when it is optimal time.  I think a walk to the nursery will give me the "What is it?" answer for the neon pink flowers.  Since I have taken many flower pictures I will continue to add them to these writings.  They bring much beautiful color to a black and white page.  I like it.  And as you can see, right now I am on a purple kick.  Actually there are simply many varieties of purple blossoms out there right now.  And this area seems to boast purple.  Makes me wonder if the climate dictates this.  Hum....

There are so many things to do.  I keep wondering how in the world did I have time to work and still get other things accomplished.  Millie and I have discussed this at length and keep being thankful for what it is now.  She and I have also gotten ourselves hooked on playing "Words with Friends" and "7 Little Words" on our phones.  We keep telling each other it is increasing our brain power.  Absolutely!

I talked with my former mother-in-law yesterday and she is doing better.  Thank you for all your healing thoughts and prayers.  

Oh my gosh, the aromas coming from the crock pot are delightful.  I still have several hours before the taste delight will be ready.  Patience.  Patience.  Patience.  This is probably a good time to go for a walk  Then when I return to my rolling home I will have to hurry to get the veggies cooked so I can indulge myself.  Anticipation!

"During this time of great imbalance on planet earth we may feel ourselves torn between the priorities of healing ourselves - resolving our own inner spiritual or psychological problems, and attempting to cure the social and economic ills that beset our culture.  While each of us undoubtedly has much inner work to do, this attitude misses the main point of earth prayer.  It continues to view the individual as somehow separate from the rest of the world.  But if we accept that we are totally part of this living earth, then we must recognize that isolated health is an illusion.  Healing ourselves and working to resolve the contradictions in the human-earth ecology is the same work.  ...knowing that we are not encapsulated, self-enclosed entities, but rather fields of energy integrated with the environment, everything we do transforms and reshapes the world.  If our actions can destroy.  So can they heal!"

- taken from the book

- Earth Prayers From Around The World

Enjoy your momentary weather!

-- BLOOMING FLOWERS --

A little water and some sunshine seem to be the perfect mix for flowers to bloom.  The hills here have turned green which makes for a beautiful background for all of the flowers showing themselves now.  I went with Chris (and Duke the dog) to San Luis Obispo yesterday and it was clear after the rains and everything felt clean and fresh and the colorful flowers were very evident.

Chris and I talked about the energy of San Luis Obispo, (locals refer to this city as SLO) compared to Morro Bay and the other smaller ocean communities of the Central Coast.  The coastal communities are very laid back and slow paced.  Most of these locals are free of hurry and/or schedules.  There are many retired people living in the several towns, villages and unincorporated areas. 

SLO is the college town for Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University) and is filled with students during school terms.  Their energy usually runs high and students can be seen scurrying about and being busy with their social lives.  (Lots of them can be seen surfing here in Morro Bay.)  There are many privately owned shops of all kinds in SLO.  They also have  several larger stores, some well known chains, and a few big boxes.  Costco included.  Growth or progress comes much more slowly to the smaller coastal areas.

So, to me, it is the purpose of the community that seems to dictate the energy of that area.  For those living in the smaller communities it can be a treat or a frustration visiting the city of SLO.  It totally depends on your own personal energy and life style.  I am certain that residents of SLO feel the same treat or frustration when visiting Santa Barbara or any other larger city.  San Francisco and Los Angeles could be completely unbelievable and heart stopping for some.  Others could just thrive with all of the activity and excitement of these huge cities.

For me, right now, I am thoroughly enjoying the smaller coastal communities of:

Los Osos      (population   14,276      census taken 2010)
Morro Bay    (population   10,525  census taken 2011)
Cambria       (population    6,032   census taken 2010)
Cayucos       (population    2,592   census taken 2010)
San Simeon  (population       462   census taken 2010)
Harmony      (population         18   census taken 2000)

And enjoying the city of SLO with its population of 45,525 and its census taken in 2011.

I find it interesting that there is a lack of consistency for the years the information is presented.  Even when I checked for the definitions and differences between cities, towns, villages and unincorporated areas there was a lack of consistency.  Rather curious.  

Curious still is that the community of Auburn has a population of 13,398, so where I am now feels about the same people wise, yet very different as far as the attitude and energy.  This is a much more friendly community which may be because the people here are in a much more concentrated area.  So it feels closer knit.  I feel much more at home here and I am very grateful.

I am sad to write that my former mother-in-law called and she has a cold.  At almost 91 years old, this is a hardship and it is already affecting her lungs.  I brought her some medicinal teas that will hopefully help her recover more quickly.  There have been some quite nippy winds the past several days that probably won't help her situation.  Please keep her in your prayers.

It is another crisp and clear day here with a little breeze.  The hills are beckoning and a stop at the post office is in order.  (Avoiding the French Bakery!)

"If you can see only what light reveals

and hear only what sound announces,

then in truth you do not see nor do you hear."

-  Kahlil Gibran

-  taken from the book

-  Sand and Foam

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Enjoy wherever you live!

--TIME CHANGE - AGAIN!!! --

This pansy is one of  Joyce's favorite flowers!

Didn't we just do this?  Wasn't it just last week?  Is it going to go back to being dark again in the morning?  Oh sigh!  Oh well!  I would love to see someone begin a petition or get something on the California ballot so we can end this madness.  Things I read seem to indicate it is bad for our mental, emotional and physical health.  Not to mention my mental health.  Help???

Getting close to Easter!

More wonderful rain (very heavy) last night and this morning.  I did laundry though used the dryer to accomplish the drying deed.  The weather predictions have been so off, I decided to just do my own thing.  It turned out to be wise. It sprinkled off and on for hours and the humidity was so high I doubt anything would have dried outside.  Next week sounds as though it will be perfect for hanging out sheets.  We'll see.

The flowers are in bloom everywhere here.  Some are just beginning and others think it is summer.  I am waiting for the one amazing pink plant to bloom.  It is a succulent that many people plant here on the hillsides and when it blooms there is the most amazing and beautiful explosion of vibrant neon pink everywhere.  It is absolutely breath taking.  I am on a search to identify its name.  I thought I knew it and discovered I have been calling this plant something different all along.  Anyway, for now I am enjoying all of the other flowers that are making themselves known for all who care to notice.

Millie's grandchildren call these explosion flowers!

I keep forgetting to mention the pigeons.  They may be finished for now, however for the past several weeks they have been doing circle dances and showing off to each and fighting with each other.  Apparently everyone and everything is in the process of spring mating. I have seen the Monarch butterflies out and about.  Yet today I am certain they are tucked safely away in the Eucalyptus trees awaiting warmer temperatures.  Perhaps this weekend and early next week they will again show themselves.  The Eucalyptus groves just south of here are a safe home and sanctuary for them as they migrate.  They completely cover the trees as they cling together to keep warm.  Quite a spectacle.

I have been doing nutritional research, which my daughter-in-law is studying for her masters, and she directed me to a web site all about nutritional typing.  It is very interesting and seems to make sense.  There are so many things to figure out and it would be so wonderful if nutrition was something that was taught in our schools.  After all, all of us have a body and it would be completely logical if we were taught how to take care of ourselves nutritionally so we all felt great, had tremendous energy and were free of so many of the maladies affecting so many people today.  It seems being healthy is how we are meant to be.  So much to learn in this area.  I feel that the more I learn, the more there is to learn about being healthy in today's world.

"Your attitude toward your body

with how you feed and exercise it

must match up with Spirit.

You come from Love,

so you must extend that love

and appreciation to your body

at all times in order to be

genuinely inspired."

- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

- taken from his book

- Your Ultimate Calling

Enjoy all of the flowers you see!